“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together during the last 19 years, and I’m particularly proud of the contribution of the United States Peace Corps. More than 900 volunteers have served in Namibia since 1990, working closely with their Namibian counterparts in education, health, community development and small business development,” she asserted.
The ninth group of American Peace Corps volunteers to serve in Namibia was on Friday sworn-in by the US Ambassador at NIED in Okahandja
More Volunteer Help for Namibia - by Frederick Philander
OKAHANDJA – The ninth group of American Peace Corps volunteers to serve in Namibia was on Friday sworn-in by the US Ambassador at NIED in Okahandja.
Dennise Mathieu said this was her third swearing in ceremony in recent years and each time she does so she continues to feel a tremendous sense of pride, both as the American Ambassador and as an American citizen.
“I’m especially pleased to participate in this ceremony for the sixth group of Community Health and HIV/AIDS volunteers for Namibia representing the very best that the American people have to offer. To have the opportunity to play even a small part in the lives of average Namibians, and in some cases, to even save lives, is a unique honour that you’ll have during your service,” Mathieu told the volunteers.
Since the early days of Namibian independence, the United States and the Government of Namibia have been working together, sharing the same commitment to democracy, good governance and respect for human rights.
“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together during the last 19 years, and I’m particularly proud of the contribution of the United States Peace Corps. More than 900 volunteers have served in Namibia since 1990, working closely with their Namibian counterparts in education, health, community development and small business development,” she asserted.
The Peace Corps have been part of the United States’ combined effort to support Namibia in its struggle against HIV/AIDS.
“The United States works in partnership with the Namibian Government, and non-governmental, faith-based and community organisations to fight this scourge, and Peace Corps volunteers play an important role in this effort. The contributions of volunteers are often tangible and innovative, such as organising the production of music CDs to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS among youth and adults and to offset the burdens of HIV/AIDS at the community level,” she said.
According to her, volunteers also have an intangible impact.
“Whether you organise instant messaging with HIV/AIDS information to help boys and girls make constructive choices and protect themselves or initiate activities to address the victimisation of young girls and the spread of HIV in flood relocation camps, or helping members of a cooperative to market their handicrafts so that those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS may lead more productive lives. You will have an impact and Namibians will fondly recall their memories of a Peace Corps volunteer,” she concluded.
